SweeGen announces joint venture with CCFT to distribute its stevia sweeteners in China

Photo © iStockphoto.com/ olm26250

SweeGen (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) has entered into a joint venture with the China Commercial Foreign Trade Group (CCFT) for the distribution of its Bestevia sweeteners in China. CCFT’s affiliate company China Commerce Sugar Industry Co. is one of the largest sugar distributors and trading partners internationally.

Chinese consumers consume about 15 million tons of sugar annually, but with concerns about growing health problems in China linked to obesity and diabetes, sugar consumption is expected to decrease. China’s “Healthy China 2030” initiative seeks to reduce sugar consumption by 17%.

The strategic partnership coincides with SweeGen’s continued efforts to expand its regional applications capabilities around the globe to support and collaborate closely with customers, enabling unique local solutions. Most recently, SweeGen’s Bestevia Reb E was approved as a food additive in Australia and New Zealand.